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Monday, 28 March 2016

A little while ago I made the very tough decision to leave the Visible Image design team.

I have been on the team for just over 2 years and can honestly say I have had a ball. Helen and Mark are the most generous, kind, caring and awesome people to work with.

Not wanting to go into too much detail 2015 was not a good year for me. I struggled through it and part of my 'therapy' was to spend as much time as possible in my craft room. I had already embarked on the ATC365 thing when my world collapsed around me. It was this personal challenge and my DT work that kept me going. It gave me purpose and a reason to sit engrossed in my crafting for hours on end. Now I am on the other side of all the drama I feel I don't belong in my craft room any more. Does that make sense?

Looking back at some of my projects with the Visible Image design team I remember my very first piece like it was yesterday.

'Will they like it?'

'Is it too garish?'

'OMG! The deadline is looming!'

The butterfly stamp is one of my favourite Visible Image stamps. I have used it more than any other Visible Image stamp. I often added it as an embellishment but the card on the right is probably my favourite project which used the butterfly as the main feature. I also did a tutorial on how to colour the butterflies which you can find HERE.

As my time with Visible Image progressed so did the amazing range of stamps Mark designed. I am going to miss seeing his brilliant and innovative designs before anyone else does! That was another thrilling part of being on the DT, seeing things being developed. Mark would often tease us with fragments of a design or give us words as clues to his latest creative thread. He would never disappoint!

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Then there were the opportunities for my work to be seen on TV! I know it wasn't my first time on a crafting channel but it was still a thrill none-the-less. This sympathy card was much admired by the presenter of the show it was on.

Projects like this shadow box, made from an empty chocolate box and cheap brown paper, were so exciting to make and the feedback was always a delight to hear.

As I said earlier, 2015 was a terrible year for me but 2016 is already shaping up to be an amazing year of new projects, new hobbies and a new found zest for life. I intend to enjoy my future trying new things and generally indulging myself in things that make me happy.

I have discovered a whole new way of life here in Wales and at the moment sitting in my craft cave is low on my list of things that I want to do. There is a wealth of beauty out there on the West Wales coast and I need to explore it. Living near the sea has always been my dream and now that I am here I want to enjoy it. Who knows, I might even build a boat and go sailing...................

That doesn't mean that I am finished with crafting nor does it mean I am not going to be seen around the Visible Image camp. Oh no! I intend to stay in touch with everyone I have met through Visible Image and who knows, one day I might apply to be on the team again!

I would like to thank Helen and Mark for all their support through 2015, and also all the lovely DT members, you have all been amazing! Thanks also to all of you for following my blog. I hope my projects have inspired you?